Ginger's River Doodles and Puppies

25/07/2025

Oatmeal Baths for Dogs
Oatmeal is a key ingredient in many pet shampoos and conditioners and oatmeal baths are famous for their therapeutic properties. Here’s how to find effective oatmeal products for your pup’s skin problems, plus DIY remedies that work.

Published: June 30, 2025

An oatmeal batch for dogs can be used to treat a variety of dog skin problems.
Oatmeal baths can be useful for soothing a number of skin conditions in dogs and puppies. Credit: Ivan Tucha | Getty Images

Oatmeal has been used for thousands of years to treat human skin irritations. Likewise, it can be useful for soothing skin issues in dogs.

Oatmeal’s anti-inflammatory compounds reduce redness, itching, and swelling, plus oatmeal forms a protective barrier that preserves moisture and balances the skin’s pH.
The chemical composition of colloidal oatmeal includes a high concentration of starches and beta-glucan, which have protective and water-holding properties, its phenols are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, and its saponins are natural cleansers.

In 2003, colloidal oatmeal was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a skin protectant, making it one of the few botanical ingredients with that authorization. Today colloidal oatmeal and oat extracts appear in creams, lotions, gels, shampoos, conditioners, burn treatments, and other products for pets and people.

What Is Colloidal Oatmeal?

Colloidal oatmeal is any oatmeal that is so finely ground that it becomes a powder. To make your own, grind or pulse 1 cup of plain, raw, unflavored instant, quick-cooking, steel-cut, or slow-cooking oatmeal or oat groats in a coffee grinder, food processor, or blender. Use the highest setting and process until the oatmeal becomes a very fine powder.

Finely ground oatmeal will rinse away easily, but a simple way to prevent clumping is to strain wet blends through a mesh strainer or stocking, place dry ingredients in a porous fabric bag, tie the oat powder in cheesecloth or gauze fabric, or wrap it in a washcloth or towel that you can soak and squeeze to release the oat water.

Oatmeal baths for dogs can be used to help with conditions such as:

itchy skin
hives
rashes
burns
sunburn
allergies
dry skin
dandruff
dermatitis
eczema
hot spots
inflammation
insect bites

How To Give Your Dog a Bath with Oatmeal Shampoo

Dozens of oatmeal shampoos have been developed for dogs and puppies, such as DermAllay Oatmeal Shampoo, EarthBath Oatmeal & Aloe Dog Shampoo, Honest Paws 5-in-1 Oatmeal Dog Wash, and Tropiclean Oatmeal Itch Relief Shampoo for Pets.

For safety, have your dog stand on a non-skid mat or towel. Thoroughly wet your dog’s coat and skin with comfortably cool or tepid water. Cool water has a soothing effect of its own, while warm or hot water can exacerbate skin irritations. So can vigorous rubbing as you massage products into the skin or rub the coat with towels. To sp*ed recovery and healing, keep your movements slow, calm, and gentle.

Apply oatmeal shampoo to your dog’s neck, back, and areas of skin discomfort or itching. Progressively massage oatmeal shampoo into the coat and skin, keeping suds away from your dog’s eyes, nose, and mouth. Massage the inside legs, skin folds, feet, ear flaps, and under the tail. Leave the shampoo in place for 5 to 10 minutes so the oatmeal’s healing compounds reach all the skin and coat. Thoroughly rinse your dog with large amounts of cool or mild-temperature water. Allow your dog to shake herself off, then finish drying her with towels. Comb or brush long-haired dogs, being gentle on and around affected areas. High-temperature blow drying is not recommended because it can increase irritation and discomfort in affected areas.

Oatmeal shampoos can be used alone or followed by an oatmeal conditioner such as Vetoquinol Aloe & Oatmeal Conditioner, DermAllay Oatmeal Spray Conditioner, or Zesty Paws Oatmeal Anti-Itch Dog Conditioner. Follow label directions.

Do-It-Yourself Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs

The easiest and least expensive way to help your itching pup is to make your own oatmeal shampoo. This formula works well for puppies and adult dogs:

1/4 cup unscented castile soap, such as Bronner’s Unscented Baby Wash, Burt’s Bees Fragrance-Free Baby Wash, or any unscented baby shampoo or soap labeled for use with dogs or puppies

2 cups lukewarm water
1/2 cup finely ground oats or oatmeal

Mix or blend these ingredients well, then apply as described above.
Do-It-Yourself Dog Oatmeal Conditioner

1 cup lukewarm water
2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
1/4 cup finely ground oats or oatmeal

Combine these ingredients in a blender or shake them in a jar until thoroughly combined. Pour the blend into a spray bottle, straining it if necessary, and apply it to your dog, then massage or brush it through the coat. Let the conditioner stand for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing with plain water. This blend is safe to apply to your dog’s face, nose, and eye area.

Do-It-Yourself Oatmeal Paste to Soothe Dog Skin

Create a paste with ground oatmeal and water for direct application to insect bites, rashes, hot spots, or especially itchy areas. Start with equal parts colloidal oatmeal and water, such as 1/2 cup of each. If you need more, double the recipe. You want a paste that will be easy to apply and that will adhere to your dog’s skin and coat.

Gently massage the paste into affected areas so that the paste reaches all the way to the skin, then cover it with a damp towel or cloth or spray the applied paste with water to maintain moisture, and keep your dog still for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing it off. This treatment can be applied more than once a day if needed.
How To Make an Oatmeal Soaking Bath for Your Dog

An oatmeal soaking bath is different from an oatmeal shampoo because it doesn’t involve soap. Its key ingredients are finely ground oatmeal and a tub, bucket, or basin of tepid water. Oatmeal baths are recommended for uncomfortable skin problems, everything from flea bites to allergic reactions, itchy skin, and rashes.

The most well-known oatmeal bath is Aveeno’s Soothing Oatmeal Bath Treatment, whose only ingredient is colloidal oatmeal.

To make a colloidal oatmeal bath for your dog:

In a blender or food processor, grind 1 cup of plain, uncooked oatmeal until it becomes a fine powder.
Stir the ground oatmeal into a tub, bucket, or large basin of comfortably warm or cool water.
Place your dog in the bath and sponge the oatmeal water over your dog or place your dog in a T-shirt that you soak with bath water. The goal is to thoroughly cover all your dog’s skin with the soothing oatmeal water. Plain oatmeal bath water is safe to apply to your dog’s face and nose.
Leave the oatmeal water in direct contact with your dog’s skin and coat for 10 to 15 minutes. Gently rinse well and pat dry with towels.

How Often Should You Give Your Dog an Oatmeal Bath?

Most experts recommend giving dogs oatmeal baths as needed. For example, a healthy dog whose coat is in good condition might benefit from a monthly oatmeal bath, while a dog with environmental allergies and really itchy skin could have two or three oatmeal baths per week until symptoms subside.
What If Your Dog Has Sensitive Skin?

Oatmeal baths are well tolerated by dogs and puppies, but if your dog has a history of topical allergies, try a patch test first. Create a paste by mixing finely ground oatmeal with a small amount of water and apply a dab to your dog’s bare abdomen, inner thigh, or behind the ear. Gently massage the oatmeal, then leave it in place for up to 24 hours. Check for any redness, swelling, or irritation before and after rinsing the area. If the skin looks undisturbed, your pup should enjoy good results from oatmeal treatments. You can patch-test oatmeal shampoos or conditioners by placing a small amount of diluted product on a small area of bare skin and observing the result. If your pup experiences any redness, swelling, itching, or irritation, rinse the area well and choose a different product.

25/07/2025

When you adopt siblings there is a possibility that one will develop littermate syndrome where they look to their littermate for guidance.

12/07/2025

https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/health/how-to-give-your-dog-a-pill/?sc=WIR20250711-Sub&st=email&MailingID=3746

Most experts suggest that you give your dog a pill in food. But what if you can’t use food? Here’s how to administer pills with or without hiding them in food.

04/07/2025

https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/health/your-dogs-healthy-gut/?sc=WIR20250704-Sub&st=email&MailingID=3736&utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Your%20Dog%20s%20Healthy%20Gut&utm_campaign=WIR20250704-Sub

Investing in your dog's gut health can make a big difference in their quality of life in daily life and as they get older.

02/07/2025

DOODLES DO NOT HAVE OWNERS, THEY HAVE STAFF!!!

28/06/2025

🐾 How to Properly Walk Your Dog: Tips for a Safe & Enjoyable Walk 🦮🚶‍♂️

Walking your dog is more than just exercise—it’s an opportunity to bond, explore, and reinforce good behavior. A well-structured walk keeps your pup physically and mentally stimulated while ensuring safety for both of you. Follow these tips to make every walk enjoyable!

🦴 1️⃣ Use the Right Leash & Collar

✅ Leash Length: Opt for a 4-6 foot leash for better control. Avoid retractable leashes that can lead to accidents.
✅ Collar or Harness: Use a properly fitted collar or harness to prevent choking or discomfort. Harnesses are ideal for dogs that pull.

🚶‍♂️ 2️⃣ Establish Control Before You Start

✅ Calm Start: Ensure your dog is calm before heading out. Avoid letting them dart out the door to prevent overly excited behavior.
✅ Positioning Matters: Keep your dog walking beside or slightly behind you to reinforce that you’re the leader.

🐾 3️⃣ Set a Steady Pace

✅ Consistent Sp*ed: Walk at a pace that keeps your dog engaged without being too slow or too fast.
✅ Mix It Up: Incorporate periods of brisk walking with moments to stop and sniff, giving your dog both exercise and mental stimulation.

🦮 4️⃣ Teach Loose Leash Walking

✅ Reward Good Behavior: Reward your dog when they walk beside you without pulling. Use treats, praise, or affection.
✅ Stop When They Pull: If your dog pulls, stop walking. Only continue when they return to a loose leash.

🐕‍🦺 5️⃣ Allow Time for Exploration & Sniffing

✅ Mental Stimulation: Let your dog sniff and explore—it’s their way of learning about the world.
✅ Balance is Key: Set boundaries for when it’s okay to explore versus when it’s time to walk.

🧼 6️⃣ Be Mindful of Safety

✅ Check for Hazards: Be aware of broken glass, toxic plants, and other dangers along the path.
✅ Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Hot pavement can burn paws, and cold weather can be harsh.

💩 7️⃣ Clean Up After Your Dog

✅ Always Carry Bags: Be a responsible pet parent and pick up after your dog. It keeps the environment clean and safe for others.

🕰️ 8️⃣ Stick to a Routine

✅ Consistent Walk Times: Establish a routine that your dog can rely on. Consistency helps with behavior and reduces anxiety.
✅ Morning & Evening Walks: Ideal times to avoid extreme heat and provide regular exercise.

⚡️ 9️⃣ End on a Positive Note

✅ Reward Calm Behavior: Finish the walk by reinforcing good behavior with praise or a treat.
✅ Cooling Down: Allow a few minutes of quiet time post-walk to let your dog settle.

💡 Pro Tip: Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are key to making walks enjoyable for both you and your pup. Happy walking! 🐶❤️

28/06/2025

🐶 Did You Know? Crushed Eggshells Can Be Good for Your Dog!

It might surprise you, but something as simple as a crushed eggshell can offer powerful benefits to your dog’s diet—especially for bone and dental health.

🥚 1. Rich in Calcium
Eggshells are packed with calcium carbonate, which helps support strong bones, teeth, and muscle function—great for both puppies and senior dogs.

💪 2. Natural Mineral Boost
They also contain small amounts of magnesium, phosphorus, and other minerals that support overall health.

🌿 3. A Natural Supplement Option
Instead of synthetic calcium pills, crushed eggshells can be a simple homemade alternative—just be sure to prepare them properly!

🍽️ How to Use Them:
•Wash and dry the shells thoroughly
•Bake at low heat (200°F / 93°C) for 10 minutes to kill bacteria
•Grind into a fine powder using a blender or coffee grinder
•Sprinkle a small amount (about ½ tsp for medium dogs) into your dog’s food occasionally

⚠️ Note: Always check with your vet before adding new supplements to your dog’s diet—especially if they’re on commercial food or have medical conditions.

💡 A little goes a long way! Crushed eggshells are a natural, affordable way to support your dog’s health—right from your kitchen. 🐾

Follow us for more pet wellness tips and natural health ideas! 🦴

28/06/2025

Periodontal Disease in Dogs

Periodontal disease affects more than 80% of our canine companions by the time they reach three years of age. It can lead to tooth loss as well as detrimental effects on kidney, liver, and heart health. Learn more about how to prevent and treat periodontal disease in dogs.
By
Dr. Jennifer Bailey, DVM -
Published: June 25, 2024

Periodontal disease in dogs is a preventable health risk.
Periodontal disease is extremely common in dogs but can often be prevented with a good combination of at-home and veterinary dental care.

Most of us have or know a dog who has bad breath. Your face scrunches in disgust when they pant near your face or you are snuggling close on the couch. Veterinarians and veterinary technicians label that smell as “sewer mouth.” It is one of the signs of periodontal disease in dogs.

Periodontal disease is the inflammation and infection of the periodontium. The periodontium are the structures that support and surround the teeth. This includes the gingiva, cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. Let’s examine the role of each structure in protecting and maintaining your dog’s oral health.

Each tooth has two parts—the crown and one or more roots. The crown is the part of the tooth you can see. Its role is to tear, chop, and grind food. The crown extends to just below the gumline. The roots anchor the tooth in the jaw and provide a blood and nerve supply to each tooth.

Each tooth root sits in a socket in the jaw. The socket is made of alveolar bone lined with a protective layer called cementum. The socket surrounds and supports each root. The root is attached to the cementum and alveolar bone by a periodontal ligament. Gingiva (also known as the gums) is the pink or pigmented fleshy tissue that covers the alveolar bone and the first part of the crown.

Infection and inflammation of these supporting structures leads to destruction of cementum and alveolar bone, loosening and destruction of the periodontal ligament, and gingival recession. Without the support of these structures, teeth become diseased, loose, and fall out.
What is Periodontal Disease in Dogs?

Periodontal disease begins with the accumulation of plaque on the crown of each tooth—both the part you can see and the part just below the gumline. Plaque is a combination of food particles, proteins and minerals in saliva, and bacteria that normally exist in the mouth. Think about that fuzzy feeling you get on the surface of your teeth if you haven’t brushed them in over a day—that’s plaque.

Plaque is initially soft and can be easily broken down and removed if the teeth are brushed. But left undisturbed, plaque continues to accumulate layer by layer on the teeth. Over time, minerals in saliva harden plaque and create calculus. Calculus is the hard, brown layer that you might see on your dog’s teeth.

Although calculus on the crown of the tooth looks awful, it’s the plaque and calculus under the gumline that starts the process of periodontal disease. Think about the last time you ate popcorn. Inevitably, the thin skin that covers a popcorn kernel gets stuck in your teeth, prompting you to perform an impromptu flossing. That kernel skin is actually getting stuck in the thin space between the crown of your tooth and the gingiva.
Stages of Canine Periodontal Disease
Stage 1

Plaque and calculus that accumulates in that thin space induces an inflammatory response in your dog’s mouth. Inflammation causes the gingiva to become red, irritated, and painful. This is gingivitis and is the first stage of periodontal disease.
Stage 2

Irritated and inflamed gingiva begins to break down and separate from the tooth and alveolar bone. This creates a space known as a periodontal pocket. Plaque and calculus move into this pocket, creating more inflammation. Destruction of alveolar bone and cementum begins, exposing each root under the gumline. The gums may bleed easily when touched. This is the second stage of periodontal disease.
Stage 3

As the periodontal pocket expands and fills with more plaque and calculus, more alveolar bone and cementum are destroyed. The strength of the periodontal ligament holding the tooth root in the socket is compromised and the tooth becomes loose. This is the third stage of periodontal disease.
Stage 4

The fourth and final stage of periodontal disease is characterized by greater than 50% alveolar bone loss around the roots. The tooth can now be easily moved in all directions within the socket.

All dogs are at risk for developing periodontal disease. Small and toy breed dogs are particularly predisposed to periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is more prevalent in dogs who have diabetes mellitus or hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s disease). Dogs with a malocclusion (misaligned teeth) or crowded teeth in a small mouth are particularly at risk for developing periodontal disease.
How to Treat Periodontal Disease in Dogs

Early periodontal disease (stages 1 and 2) in dogs may be treated with a professional dental cleaning under general anesthesia. Removing the plaque and calculus that have accumulated under the gumline is essential to treating periodontal disease—the only way to safely accomplish this is when your dog is anesthetized.

Treating moderate to advanced periodontal disease (stages 3 and 4) requires more advanced techniques to save the teeth. These advanced techniques include open root scaling and planing, gingival curettage, and installation of bone grafts and protective membranes. A board-certified veterinary dentist is the most qualified professional to complete these techniques.

Teeth affected by periodontal disease that cannot be saved will need to be extracted. Tooth extractions can be done by most general practitioners. Teeth that have become brittle, abscessed, or ankylosed in the socket by scar tissue may need to be extracted by a veterinary dentist.
Preventing Periodontal Disease in Dogs

The best way to prevent periodontal disease in dogs is with proper at-home dental care and annual comprehensive oral health assessment and treatment (also known as a dental cleaning or dental prophylaxis) performed by your dog’s veterinarian.

Brushing your dog’s teeth every day disrupts plaque as it forms on the teeth and prevents the formation of calculus. See the article “At-home Dental Care for Dogs” for more information on how to brush your dog’s teeth and promote good oral health at home.

Your dog should undergo a comprehensive oral health assessment and treatment once a year. This is a dental cleaning, visual examination of the teeth, probing of gingival pockets, and radiographic assessment of the tooth roots and alveolar bone. Gingivitis can be treated and reversed during this procedure before it progresses to more advanced stages of periodontal disease.

With proper at-home oral care and annual oral exams by your veterinarian, your dog’s oral health and life span can be improved. And that’s good news for us dog lovers that want to have as much time as possible with our canine best friends!

21/06/2025

Can Dogs Get Sick from Humans?
You and your dog can pass certain germs and parasites to one another, but there are ways to prevent the spread between you and your best friend.
By
Mary Schwager -
Published: June 11, 2025

Humans can get sick from their dogs, and vice versa with a host of diseases being shared between the species.
Can your dog catch your cold? Knowing which diseases you and your dog are at risk of sharing can help keep the whole family—human and canine alike—happy and healthy. Credit: AndreyPopov | Getty Images

Can dogs get sick from humans? Can humans get sick from dogs? The answer to both questions is yes.

Certain bacteria, viruses, and parasites are zoonotic, meaning they can spread from animals to humans. Reverse zoonosis occurs when humans transmit germs to dogs.

“We’re all mammals, and there are certain diseases that can cross over in either direction, so we have to be a little concerned about those things,” says veterinarian Will Sander, an assistant professor of preventive medicine and public health at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine.

So, what organisms and critters can spread from humans to canines and vice versa? Let’s break down these crossover contagions.
Can Dogs Get Sick from Humans?

Though it’s relatively rare, humans can pass germs to dogs. “Many of us live very closely with our dogs, and we can share diseases that way,” Dr. Sander says.

Diseases that dogs can catch from humans include:
COVID-19

The virus that causes COVID-19 is one of the most recent and headline-grabbing examples of reverse zoonosis.

“We had somewhere between 200 and 300 cases reported where dogs got sick from people,” Dr. Sander says. “A very, very small number of those dogs died. Most just got some gastrointestinal and respiratory effects.”
Tuberculosis/TB

People can also transmit bacterial infections to dogs. Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly contagious respiratory illness. It can spread from infected people to canines through close contact with a dog or even through the air inside a home. (TB is rare in dogs, but dogs can also transmit it to people.)
MRSA

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is another bacteria that dogs can pick up from humans, especially if a pooch licks the skin of an infected person.

“Dogs don’t actually have Staphylococcus aureus that much on their skin,” Dr. Sander says. “It’s more of a human bacterium, and so when we see things like MRSA, it’s usually coming from their family, and that somebody in that family has had an MRSA infection.”
E.coli

E.coli bacteria can be passed between two and four-legged family members. Dr. Sander says there have been cases where E. coli was the culprit that caused urinary tract infections, which spread throughout entire households, including the dog.

“It could happen when somebody with a urinary tract infection does not wash their hands well, or the dog licks the toilet bowl and gets infected,” Dr. Sander says.
Can Humans Get Sick from Dogs

While many infections in dogs do not pose a risk of spreading to people, there are several viruses, bacteria, and parasites that dogs can transmit to humans, both directly and indirectly.

Stopping germs from spreading is something veterinarian Stephanie Janeczko, vice president of shelter medicine services for the ASPCA, considers a top priority.

“Infectious diseases are certainly an ongoing concern, particularly in settings where dogs have close contact with many other dogs,” Dr. Janeczko says. “They are something that we absolutely spend a lot of time working to prevent in shelter settings.”

Infections that humans can get from dogs include:
E.coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter

Dogs can also spread E. coli and other bacteria, like Salmonella and Campylobacter, to humans through their f***s. But Dr. Janeczko and other veterinarians also warn about the potential indirect spread of bacteria to humans from certain dog foods.

“We know that people exposed to dogs who are fed raw diets are at increased risk of exposure,” Dr. Janeczko says. “It might be because you were handling that food that was contaminated, then you became exposed, too.”

While medical experts may have differing opinions about raw diets and the risks, these types of bacteria can cause serious infections, even death, in humans and dogs.

Leptospirosis

Another potentially dangerous organism that veterinarians urge should be on more people’s radar is Leptospira bacteria, which causes leptospirosis, also known as lepto.

For pet owners asking their veterinarians, “Is leptospirosis zoonotic?”, the answer is: It’s one of the most common and dangerous zoonotic diseases in the world.

“We’re actually seeing more leptospirosis in dogs over the last couple of decades,” Dr. Sander says.

Leptospira bacteria are spread through the urine of infected wild, farm, and domestic animals. Dogs can contract it if they come into contact with contaminated soil, other infected animals, or their remains. Lepto can also spread in floodwaters, rivers, lakes, and ponds.

Without treatment, leptospirosis can make animals and people very ill, even causing death.
Rabies

And while we’re talking worst-case scenarios, canines (and other animals) can spread the deadly rabies virus to humans.

Dogs typically contract rabies after being bitten by an infected wild animal or a domestic animal (such as a dog or cat) that has contracted the disease. The virus is transmitted through saliva, so if a rabid dog bites a human or licks a person’s open wound, they can become infected.

“It’s really serious,” Dr. Sander says. “It’s one of those few diseases we know of that’s usually 100% fatal. It’s one of those you don’t want to play around with.”
Common Dog Diseases That Don’t Spread to Humans

While serious viruses like parvo and distemper can easily spread between dogs, they are not contagious to people.
Is Influenza Zoonotic?

Can people give their dogs the flu? Can dogs give people influenza?

The short answer is “sometimes.” There are various strains of influenza, and some are zoonotic. Also, flu viruses are constantly changing and can mutate in ways that affect their ability to spread between species.

“The way the virus is set up, it’s prone to having a lot of mutations,” Dr. Sander says. “When those mutations happen, we see shifts. Things are always shifting and changing.”

It’s always a good idea to consult the latest research or seek medical advice if you have questions, but here is the current information on several strains of influenza as of this writing:
Dog Flu/Canine Influenza

Although the dog flu, or canine influenza, is highly contagious among dogs, there have been no reported cases of humans contracting the virus that causes the disease.
Avian Influenza/Bird Flu

Avian influenza, which has jumped from birds to cows to cats (cats are very susceptible) and to humans, is a hot topic these days. Right now, the risk of dogs contracting bird flu remains low. “We have been fortunate that dogs have not been impacted,” Dr. Sander says.

Of course, if a dog eats or interacts with infected animals, they run a greater risk of contracting the disease. The key is to limit potential exposure to the virus.
Human Flu (Influenza A and B)

While the flu can make most people absolutely miserable and spread easily among humans, it’s unlikely dogs will contract it.

“There have been a few cases, but it’s pretty uncommon that the flu has been able to spread from people to dogs,” Dr. Sander says.
Preventing the Spread of Zoonotic Disease

Several common-sense precautions can help prevent the spread of infections, which can help save the lives of both people and dogs.
Vaccinations

Always ensure dogs are up to date on their vaccinations.

“Vaccines are a cornerstone of the way that we seek to limit transmission for several infectious diseases, some of which are zoonotic. This includes rabies and leptospirosis,” Dr. Janeczko says.

Pet owners should consult with their veterinarian to determine the best protocol for their dog, which should include core vaccines for parvovirus, distemper, rabies, and even leptospirosis.

“There’s been a good vaccine in place for quite a while for leptospirosis for dogs,” Dr. Sander says. “It’s something that the American Veterinary Medical Association and other big national animal associations have endorsed in the last two years as being considered a core vaccine for dogs.”
Flea, Tick, and Parasite Prevention

Fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites are among the grossest, most disease-spreading critters that canines can bring home to their humans, which can, directly and indirectly, cause health issues for both species. Using broad-spectrum dewormers can help minimize the risk of intestinal parasitic infections dogs can pick up and pass to humans.

“Most people would be giving these as part of their monthly heartworm preventive; most have a dewormer in them that will provide protection against parasites like roundworms or hookworms,” Dr. Janeczko says.

Using pet flea and tick prevention can also help limit the exposure of both dogs and humans to many potentially dangerous diseases. Some ticks carry Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Babesiosis.

Fleas may harbor germs like Bartonella, typhus, and the plague.

Topical, chewable, and spray-on preventatives help stop these biting bugs from infecting dogs and people.
Hand Hygiene

One of the easiest ways people can prevent the spread of germs is to wash their hands after having contact with their dog, their dog’s food and water bowls, and after picking up their pooch’s p**p.

Pet parents should also follow safe food handling protocols when feeding their dogs to help reduce the risk of bacterial transmission.

“Hand hygiene goes a really long way in helping to mitigate infectious disease risk for zoonotic diseases,” Dr. Janeczko says. “That’s an important aspect of it.”
Safeguards During Sickness

Hand hygiene is also crucial in preventing the spread of diseases, especially when a pet or person is sick. People should wash their hands immediately after any direct contact with a dog or human who is ill or after touching anything they’ve touched. It’s essential to race for soap and water after cleaning up bodily fluids, such as urine, diarrhea, or vomit.

Don’t allow dogs to snuggle, kiss, lick people, or come in close contact with other animals or humans who are sick.

Wearing a mask and avoiding coughing or sneezing around dogs if someone in the household has a respiratory illness can help prevent dogs from contracting it.

If a dog or human appears to be sick, seek medical attention, and be sure to mention any other illnesses in the household, as well as the presence of pets.

“A lot of times physicians or nurse practitioners don’t always ask that question, and it opens up other possibilities for them to think about what could be causing you to be sick, too,” Dr. Sander says. “I always tell people to advocate for themselves and let doctors know what’s going on.”

The bottom line is that while you should be aware of the germs and parasites in your environment, they should not prevent you and your dog from having a loving relationship.

“The risk is not huge, but take common-sense precautions,” Dr. Sander says. “Good hygiene and preventive measures are really what’s needed, and just not letting our guard down.”